"You're trying to be charming again," she said softly, "but I choose not to be charmed, Locke Lamora."

Long last, after three hefty books, we finally meet Locke's lost love, Sabetha Belacoros.

Quick crash course for those with short-term mem4.5 stars

"You're trying to be charming again," she said softly, "but I choose not to be charmed, Locke Lamora."

Long last, after three hefty books, we finally meet Locke's lost love, Sabetha Belacoros.

Quick crash course for those with short-term memory loss: Sabetha was a Gentleman Bastard and is hinted to be romantically involved with Locke, and then left for some unknown reason. Locke still loves her, but is slightly bitter about it.

That's from the first two books. In this one, we finally meet the elusive woman and get more insight into their past, the rough beginnings of a romance that we know ends in heartbreak. We don't actually get to the heartbreak part, but what's here is plenty telling on its own.

So, Sabetha herself. I suspect she's going to be one of those characters you either love or hate. The odds are stacked pretty firmly against her. We're used to Locke being the wilest motherfucker around and then she comes along and runs circles around him. She resists Locke's charms and he gets sad and you just want to shake her by the shoulders and go "Fucking kiss already!" because it's obvious she likes him back.

And she's very, very close to being a Pixie Girl. Lynch toed the line extremely fine. She's mysterious and beautiful and intelligent. Her POV appears just once in this sprawling series; most of the time, we see her through Locke's besotted perspective. It's hard to get a grip on her as a living breathing person.

But once you get past the POV problem, Sabetha is a joy to read. She's resourceful, she demands what's hers, she's insanely, scarily clever. Most misgivings towards her can be resolved if you see things from her perspective, which Sabetha tries to impart on Locke's thick head. Readers want her on a pedestal because that's what Locke wants, or thinks he wants, but Sabetha isn't ever going to be that girl. She will call him out on his bullshit, like his automatic assumption of leadership or his obsession with her red hair. Her refusal to be charmed by Locke can be forgiven, even though it's incredibly frustrating.

“Sloppy idiot,” Sabetha muttered at last. “You’re trying to be charming. Well, I do not choose to be charmed by you, Locke Lamora.”

That line is iconic. If Gentleman Bastards is ever made into a movie or TV series, it will be Sabetha's "You know nothing, Jon Snow."

I have mixed feelings on the ending. (view spoiler)[Locke is the reincarnation of a powerful Bondsmage. He died trying to bring his wife back to life, who had red hair, and basically confirms Sabetha's worst fears, that Locke loves her because she's an object, not a person.

Part of the reason I love this series is its focus on ordinary people. No queens seeking to reclaim their kingdoms, no kings gathering troops to topple a usurper. Just a gang of orphans, richer and cleverer than anyone else. But if anyone can reconcile two of fantasy's biggest tropes—the Chosen One and Destined Love—it's Lynch. He can have my car, I trust him that much. (hide spoiler)]

I began this series to combat Six of Crows withdrawal. To continue comparing it to Bardugo's masterpiece isn't fair to my beloved Bastards, their wisecracks, and crazy schemes. Gentleman Bastards is an amazing series in its own right. I can scarcely wait for The Thorn of Emberlain.

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Preview — Shadow Magic
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Michael wrote: "OKay, Natalie, You are my new go to review on books. I read another review that loved this shit and couldn't wait for her next book. SMichael wrote: "OKay, Natalie, You are my new go to review on books. I read another review that loved this shit and couldn't wait for her next book. So I bought it! Like paid money for this drivel. Your review is ..."

I am pleased to be of service ;) I don't even remember that she sways his dad with a few words. I must have been skimming at that point. Too much idiocy going around....more
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Jesse wrote: "Maybe if your going to read a book that was written in a completely differnt time period a very very long time ago you should emotionallJesse wrote: "Maybe if your going to read a book that was written in a completely differnt time period a very very long time ago you should emotionally prepare your self for some misogyny. As well as "complicat..."

Maybe learn the difference between your and you're. Also, sweetie, I have a MPhil in Victorian literature. I analyze classics 24/7....more
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1. Have the MC experience traumatic loss around 7-102. Fast forward to 173. Kidnap the MC for glamorized ~nefarious~ purposes4. Dress her up in fancy gown (note: gown is SUPER fancy)5. Drive her around in front of people6. Begin the rebellion

Preview — Girls of Paper and Fire
by Natasha Ngan

"
Payal wrote: "I'm gonna follow you because I love Six of Crows as much as you. And much like you, it has become a barometer for other YA books. Give mPayal wrote: "I'm gonna follow you because I love Six of Crows as much as you. And much like you, it has become a barometer for other YA books. Give me nuanced characters or I'll give you 2 stars."

~Young Adult Enthusiasts~
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“It's faith in something and enthusiasm for something that makes a life worth living.” -Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr." Introduce yourself here. See what's“It's faith in something and enthusiasm for something that makes a life worth living.” -Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr."
Introduce yourself here.
See what's new in YAE.
Make recommendations.
Discuss all things book here.
Suggest some group reads.
Challenge yourself to a few reads.
Write in a creative writing contest.
This is a group for all those of all ages who enjoy YA books. We are open to new ideas and have fun here with no discrimination. We will discuss many books and topics and we encourage active participation! Make sure to check out our book folders and topics. I'm sure you've never seen anything like what we have here!!! :D...more

Beta Reader Group
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A place to connect writers with Beta readers. Sometimes writers get so involved in the plot they can't see the wood for the trees. Hang on a sec'--thaA place to connect writers with Beta readers.
Sometimes writers get so involved in the plot they can't see the wood for the trees. Hang on a sec'--that's a cliche and it's better to remove it.
A cliche is just one of the things to look out for while writing. They can slip in unnoticed and ruin an otherwise great paragraph. Then there's the passive voice, accents, misspelling, typos, incorrect data. The list is long.
Avid Beta readers are not your editor or proof reader and don't expect them to do the grunt work. That's up to you. But they could have spotted a few fleas BEFORE you released the book and helped strengthen your story.
Post Your genre. Get a group of 'well read' writers/readers to offer their feedback.
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Of Wonderland Book Club
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Hello! We are Inge, Aly, Anissa, Wren, and Ely of Of Wonderland, a book blog which mainly celebrates Young Adult and Fantasy. Welcome to #OWBookClub,Hello!
We are Inge, Aly, Anissa, Wren, and Ely of Of Wonderland, a book blog which mainly celebrates Young Adult and Fantasy.
Welcome to #OWBookClub, where we choose monthly themes instead of a single title. These themes can range from genres to more specific prompts, but will always be broad enough to give you some play room. We didn’t want to send you to the bookstore every month, but rather we wanted you to be able to choose a book you may already own. This way, we’re hoping that #OWBookClub is accessible to everyone.
On the first of every month, we will put up a blog post to announce the new topic for that month. In that same post, we’ll also add a poll with possible topics for the next month. As a group perk, the theme will be revealed a few days early here. We'll also send you a monthly message to remind you of the new theme and the poll.
You call the shots in this group.
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Free Kindle Ebooks
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— last activity Nov 17, 2018 04:23AM
This is an extension of the web site http://FreeKindleEbooks.com where nearly every week you can get a list of the best "selling" free Kindle book titThis is an extension of the web site http://FreeKindleEbooks.com where nearly every week you can get a list of the best "selling" free Kindle book titles in a variety of genres.
You have to move fast because authors have complete control over their books on Kindle. As a result, occasionally a Kindle book may be listed as free but the price may change after publication.
Not responsible for the postings by members other than the moderator. ...more

The Casual Vacancy Book Club
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— last activity Mar 11, 2015 03:53PM
Are you eagerly anticipating the new J.K. Rowling book The Casual Vacancy? If so, this is the group for you! We'll be hosting a week-long read-along,Are you eagerly anticipating the new J.K. Rowling book The Casual Vacancy? If so, this is the group for you! We'll be hosting a week-long read-along, moderated by Salon's Laura Miller.
There will be contests, chats, and more surprises along the way. Laura Miller will be moderating the discussion the week of October 15. In the meantime, post your thoughts about the book!...more